A NEW scheme seeking to encourage youngsters from across Surrey Heath to take up judo is set to launch in partnership with Camberley Judo Club.

The Fighting Chance project is hoping to capitalise on a magnificent summer for British judo which saw the sport collect two Olympic and two Paralympic medals, including a bronze for Camberley-based judoka Karina Bryant.

Lee Quilter, project leader, said he was hopeful the scheme would help inspire a new generation of young British talent keen to emulate Team GB's performance during London 2012.

“We want to get it started as soon as possible,” he said. “November would be good, we just need to get enough young people signed up so we can start training.”

The programme is open to youngsters 12 years or older and offers eight free weekly sessions during which time the participants will be encouraged to gain their yellow belt within eight weeks.

Sessions will be held at the Old Dean Centre in Camberley and those taking part will also be given a free judo suit. Mr Quilter said the project would reach out to those who perhaps had not had the opportunity or means to try sport in the past.

“We can take on 20 young people,” he explained. “And because they’ll all start at the same time and be taught in the same way, it is likely they will progress well as a group and form a strong bond.

“All the infrastructure is in place. We’ve got the funding, the coaches and the premises sorted. All we need to do is attract enough people to come along to make it worthwhile.”

Mr Quilter already oversees almost 20 Fighting Chance schemes across the south of England and has been working closely with the judo club’s secretary Samantha Lowe, herself an experienced judoka, to set up a partnership in Camberley.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity, particularly for teenagers in Surrey Heath, to take up a new hobby,” she said. “We’re hoping to focus heavily on community engagement and give these youngsters something to focus and build on.

“And obviously, they would be welcome to join the club at the end of the course if they enjoy themselves.”

Ms Lowe explained schemes like Fighting Chance were crucial to clubs uncovering new talent, saying: “Teens are an extremely difficult age to tap into,” she said.

“But the project is open to anyone from any background and they can join in straight away with people their age and of the same ability.

“Personally, I’ve met loads of great people and made some very good friends through my sport, not to mention travelling the world, so I can only stress how valuable I've found it.”

Mr Quilter is brother of Ben Quilter who took bronze in the men’s -60kg at the Paralympics. The pair, who hail from Brighton, are both registered blind. For more information or to sign up for the sessions, contact Lee Quilter on 07710 716902.